Eels Blogs

Sharks circle Tonga

Posted by 1Eyed Eel on July 30, 2011 at 2:57pm

Parramatta's chances of signing Willie Tonga have lengthened in recent days with the Sharks weighing in with a massive bid for the centre that is believed to be in excess of $400k per season.

Sources indicate that the Eels are not willing to increase their bid for Tonga any further and club officials have admitted that the Sharks are now favourite for his signature.

Despite some reports suggesting Tonga has already signed, it's understood the former North Queensland, Bulldogs and Eels centre is still weighing up his options but it appears to have come down to the Sharks and Eels.

While the Sharks have made the larger offer, the Eels are still hoping the lure of returning to his former club to play with brother Esi and close friend Reni Maitua might swing the decision their way.

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Replies

LegendTHECROWEELS July 30, 2011 at 3:00pm

See ya Willie
Ham Sammich July 30, 2011 at 3:01pm

Doesn't bother me if we sign him or not, other players will be on the market for next year. Players like: Gerard Beale, Jarrod Croker. I would rather us wait and either buy one of these two or resign some of our junior talent
- Vlozy > Ham Sammich August 1, 2011 at 12:13pm
  
  agree here. If Willie chooses not to sign; we have options. The two mentioned here have youth on their side!
Paul Flynn July 30, 2011 at 3:03pm

tonga has always expressed a desire to play footy with his brother, hopefully its enough to get the deal over the line.

If not there is plenty of our junior backs that will be wanting the step up next year. Loko is going to be a pretty handy centre long term, he was improving with every game he plays too.
Parra Mafia July 30, 2011 at 3:22pm

So what's the go with Osborne telling Sterlo he had signed a high profile centre? Everyone knows he was referring to Tonga. Was that just a blatant lie or did our genius CEO go off half cocked as usual? If the Sharks are willing to pay Tonga 400 - 500 K then good luck to him. He is entitled to look after his own future. However I'm not sure Osborne has one after this. Is this just another example of our CEO making himself look like a right goose?
Paul Flynn July 30, 2011 at 3:25pm

maybe we should offer yow yeh the same money that we where offering tonga. Better long term option then tonga. What is his contract status?
- chantelle emilio > Paul Flynn July 30, 2011 at 6:53pm
  
  Sorry hunny but Yow yeh will not play for parramatta. The eels had there chance and told this kid your not good enough to play first grade.
Paul Flynn July 30, 2011 at 3:26pm

maybe we should offer yow yeh the same money that we where offering tonga. Better long term option then tonga. What is his contract status?
- Ham Sammich > Paul Flynn July 30, 2011 at 3:28pm
  
  He's off contract next year according to Zerotackle.com
Ace Eel July 30, 2011 at 3:28pm

Yes Maf...a big difference in "agreeing to terms" & a "signed contract"...I like to know how he could have been signed anyway at that stage ...when he had no release from the cowboys?.....